Bird Banter with Boreal Bruce

Bird Banter with Boreal Bruce

A chatty low key podcast on the reflections of Boreal Bruce a bird bander in Northern Eastern Ontario. Most of my ramblings relate to banding and birding at the Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Center. This podcast focuses on the birds and people

Foraging Among the Hummingbirds
Bird Banter with Boreal Bruce
Foraging Among the Hummingbirds

Recent Episodes

Sept. 11, 2025

Foraging Among the Hummingbirds

In this episode of Bird Banter with Boreal Bruce, listeners are invited to the annual Hummingbird Garden Party at Hilliardton Marsh. Bruce chats with local vendors and volunteers, including Happy Traillls Butter Tarts, The Greenhaus, Waxwing Commons Ecological Farmstead, and Trent Apiary. The episode also features audio from a foraging workshop led by Rachel Degagne of Waxwing Commons, and closes with hummingbird bander Joanne Goddard as she demonstrates the delicate process of banding and ident
June 7, 2025

Tattoos & Migratory Bird Day at the Marsh!

Join Boreal Bruce for a special on-location episode recorded during the Hilliardton Marsh's Migration Day event. Follow along as Bruce leads visitors to the river net lanes for an up-close look at where birds are caught to be banded. At the banding table, Jacob Lachapelle takes measurements and listens to the heartbeat of a Black-capped Chickadee. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Marsh’s daily observation meeting, where researchers and volunteers share notes on the migrati
May 17, 2025

Breaking Records and Building Buzz at the Marsh

In this episode, Boreal Bruce is joined by Jacob Lachapelle, Jac Giesberger, Mike Vastrinas, Natasha Harbaugh, and Alex Dumouchelle for a lively roundtable at the Hilliardton Marsh's Launch pad. The team dives into the exciting changes coming to the Marsh’s social media presence, previews upcoming events, and celebrates a season of remarkable firsts—including new bird sightings and record-breaking numbers in both Sawhet Owl and Snow Bunting banding. They also share insights into the ongoing spri
Sept. 7, 2024

It's Wiggly Because It's A Hummingbird!

Join us for a special episode recorded live at the Hilliardton Marsh Hummingbird Garden Party! We dive into the world of bird banding with Joanne Goddard, who walks us through the incredible process of banding hummingbirds. You’ll also hear from Bruce Murphy and Jacob Lachapelle as they guide guests to the banding net lanes for an up-close look at bird extractions. Plus, we chat with local vendors, passionate volunteers, talented artists, and dedicated Marsh employees, all contributing to this u
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May 11, 2024

Winter Counts, Spring Migration, and Murph's East Coast Escapades

Join Bander in charge, Rae Xemin, and Boreal Bruce, as they delve into the fascinating world of avian migration and conservation. In this episode, Rae shares insights into winter bird populations, the eagerly awaited spring migration, and their predictions for the top birds of 2024. As the marshes buzz with activity, Rae discusses the significance of becoming a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and the unique challenges it presents. And don't miss out on the thrilling tales of
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Feb. 18, 2024

Best Year of Banding Ever!

In this episode, Boreal Bruce highlights the astounding bird banding records of 2023 and previews upcoming marsh events and goals. Join us for an insightful journey into the world of avian conservation and discovery